The Friends of the Chicago & Alton Depot was established in 1994. This was in response to the potential demolition of the Depot by the Gateway Western Railroad. The railroad was sympathetic to preservation efforts but was also concerned about liability and economic issues. They gave the city a limited time to move or demolish the structure. We had a dilapidated building that was not a part of our community. There was a real chance that a big piece of our history as a community would be lost. In February, 1996 the Depot was moved from West South Ave, to its new location across from the National Frontier Trails Museum on Pacific Ave. Exterior restoration was completed in 1998 and the interior completed in 2003. A separate display room contains Chicago & Alton artifacts. Today, the Depot has been lovingly and painstakingly restored and is open to the public for guided tours and special events.
Read more about the full history of the depot here.
About The Depot
President, John Thornton
A Note From Friends of the C&A Depot, John Thornton
"Twenty years ago when we first began this restoration we had a dilapidated building that was not a part of our community. There was a real chance that a big piece of our history as a community would be lost. Today, the Depot has been lovingly and painstakingly restored and is open to the public for guided tours and specials events. Thanks for the support that’s made it all possible!"
C&A Awareness Excursions
For many years the Friends group has sponsored train and bus excursions to sites around Missouri and beyond as a way to generate interest in the C&A Depot and to bring our many members together in a fun way. Dr. Jim Austin, our experienced excursion director has a way of putting together interesting and reasonably priced tours to places you could not do on your own for the same price. To date we have taken 37 excursions lasting from one day to ten days, usually in the Spring and Fall. To inquire about future excursions, contact Dr. Austin at(816) 836-2014. This is an unique way to support our depot both socially and financially.